​Merab Dvalishvili has shared his predictions for the upcoming UFC fight card, weighing in on four of the five main event bouts at UFC 329. The former bantamweight champion offered his picks in a recent clip posted on X, joining fans and analysts in forecasting outcomes for a card headlined by the long-anticipated rematch between Conor McGregor and Max Holloway and featuring a co-main event matchup between Benoit Saint-Denis and Paddy Pimblett. In the video released by UFC on Paramount+ on X, Dvalishvili programs his vision for several key showdowns at UFC 329, providing his analysis and predictions ahead of the July 11 event.
Starting with the flyweight clash, Dvalishvili chose Brandon Royval over Lone’er Kavanagh, signaling where his confidence lies in that division’s battle. He then turns to the clash between Cory Sandhagen and Mario Bautista, offering his pick with the optimistic caveat that it will be a standout fight. “It’s going to be a great fight between Cory Sandhagen and Mario Bautista, but I have to go with Cory Sandhagen,” he stated, aligning with many fans who view Sandhagen as the more proven and versatile competitor in that matchup.
Moving to the co-main event, Dvalishvili favors Benoit Saint-Denis to defeat Paddy Pimblett. The Georgian contender’s assessment places Saint-Denis in a favorable position to emerge victorious in a bout that promises to deliver high stakes and high intensity for the fans watching closely.
When asked about the headline bout, McGregor’s return to the Octagon in a rematch with Holloway—a match that has been years in the making—Dvalishvili shared a heartfelt perspective. He expressed admiration and respect for both fighters, noting his long-standing support for McGregor. “I love Conor McGregor so much, and I have so much respect for Max Holloway,” Dvalishvili said. He explained his personal rooting interest, emphasizing what McGregor has contributed to the sport and the sense that he deserves a victory after an extended absence from competition. “I want to see Conor McGregor win because he’s been away from fighting for a long time and he’s done so much for the sport, and he deserves to win this time. Yeah, I am rooting for Conor McGregor a little more,” he added, signaling a nuanced stance shaped by respect for both fighters.
UFC 329 is scheduled to take place on Saturday, July 11, at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, a marquee event that has drawn attention from fans around the world. Dvalishvili’s commentary adds another layer of anticipation as fight fans weigh the possibilities and outcomes for each bout, especially the dramatic and highly anticipated clash between McGregor and Holloway. The predictions provided by the former champion come alongside a broader conversation about the card’s potential gameplay, fighter form, and strategic matchups that could determine the night’s outcomes.
As fans analyze the card, Dvalishvili’s selections offer one more lens through which to view UFC 329’s battles, including Royval versus Kavanagh, Sandhagen versus Bautista, Saint-Denis versus Pimblett, and the McGregor-Holloway headline. The event’s performance could hinge on the evolution of these fighters, the adjustments they make in the weeks leading up to fight night, and how each matchup’s unique stylistic elements come to bear in the Octagon. With July 11 approaching, supporters will be watching closely to see whether Dvalishvili’s foresight aligns with the night’s results and the ongoing narrative surrounding these compelling UFC 329 fights.